Voices from the Edge

About the program …

Community dialogue is important. At 8am every Thursday Voices from the Edge lends a KBOO microphone to informed guests you might not hear anywhere else. With an hour to invest, the call-in format engages listeners in meaningful conversations about crucial issues like racial disparity, government accountability, environmental justice and politics on local, state and national levels. Join lively discussions about concerns that are important to you and our community. Together we’ll make Oregon and our nation a better place for a larger number of those living here.

About the host …

Jo Ann Hardesty is Principal Partner at Consult Hardesty. She serves as a subject matter expert on a myriad of issues and is available as a speaker, facilitator and campaign planner. A long-time voice for Portland's under-represented communities and a leader in the struggle against racial and economic injustice, Jo Ann was three times elected to the Oregon legislature and for many years Executive Director of Oregon Action. She’s been called on by the City of Portland to help re-write the City Charter and organizes those on the downside of power to pursue their interests from the local to the federal level. She is particularly committed to leadership development and in holding those in power accountable.

Join the conversation …

Join the conversation every Thursday morning from 8-9 a.m. by calling 503-231-8187. Keep the conversation going after the program at our blog at kboo.fm/voicesfromtheedge.

Getting Portland back on track

Wednesday morning federal agents raided the office of the city's parking manager as part of a growing public corruption investigation. The city pursues a $52 million renovation of the Memorial Coliseum while access to affordable housing continues to shrink. Recent budget tracking shows massive investments downtown while residential streets in east Portland remain unpaved. How did we end up with these priorities and how do we get back on track as we approach another round of city elections next year?

Turning up the volume for the DOJ

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that their plan for investigating policies and practices of the Portland Police Bureau to determine whether individual's civil rights are being violated allocates only six hours to meeting with the community. Such a narrow window has raised concerns with community leaders who have been pressing for the investigation and fears within the community that the investigation is yet another paper chase.

Don't call them "post-racial"

Those born after 1980 - the "Millennial Generation" - are the largest, most racially and ethnically diverse generation in our nation's history. They've been labeled "post-racial" by the media - a description that has only become more entrenched since the election of the nation's first black president. But what role do they see race playing in their lives?

Understanding hunger in Oregon

Each month, nearly a quarter million Oregonians ate meals from emergency food boxes provided by the Oregon Food Bank network. Last year, the network moved a record 72 million pounds of food to hungry people. Who are these Oregonians? Are their numbers growing? Are the resources available to meet this growing need?

Occupy Portland. Federal investigation of Portland Police Bureau. Rep. David Wu's resignation. Kitzhaber's suspension of the death penalty. Oregon has had its share of big stories in 2011. But what headlines reflect real change and what important stories were underreported or overlooked? This week on Voices from the Edge, Dave takes a look at what was seen as Oregon's top stories of the year.

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Daveevery Thursdayas they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edgeby becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Daveevery Thursdayas they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edgeby becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

Finding a new approach to Portland's gang problem: A conversation with Connected founder John Canda

Earlier this month, nearly 100 Portlanders gathered in Jefferson High School's cafeteria to talk about their concern over gang violence in Portland. Those concerns are not without foundation - 2011 has seen a rise in gang violence that includes a 14-year-old shot in the head near the Lloyd Center mall, the shooting of six teens in North Portland after a football game and the death of 13-year-old Julio Cesar Marquez, the city's youngest gang-related homicide. Even the police, after years of trying to suppress gang activity through expanded, more aggressive enforcement, admit law enforcement is at best a "band aid" to the problem.

This week on Voices from the Edge, Jo Ann and Dave talk with long-time gang outreach worker John Canda about what it will take to tackle Portland's gang problem. Canda is the founder of Connected, an organization that seeks to, in Canda's words, "get moms and dads off the couches and into the streets where their kids are..." Canda believes the presence of adults in the city's "hot spots" can act as a deterrent to violence as well as provide the opportunity to start building new relationships that can address the underlying causes for the existence of gangs. Can getting "connected" with Portland's youth have an impact? Join us in the conversation.

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Daveevery Thursdayas they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edgeby becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

How's your Government working for you? Jo Ann and Dave discuss national and local issues, with callers, with a focus on the recent provision in the National Defense Authorization Act.

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

What started in 1993 with three men wishing to create a safe and sober environment to sustain the African American Community has evolved into the Miracles Club, a non-profit organization providing comprehensive support to individuals struggling to be free from alcohol and drug addiction. Earlier this summer, the Club passed a new milestone with the grand opening of its new location in northeast Portland that now provides 40 affordable housing units in a new sustainable facility as well as its traditional mentorships, clean and sober activities and family-oriented forums and presentations. Perhaps most important, the Miracle Club, which is open to anyone wishing to be successful in their recovery, provides culturally competent support to African American individuals that recognizes historic, economic and social factors affecting the recovery process.

This week, Jo Ann and Dave talk with Herman Bryant, executive director of the Miracles Club about the organization's unique history and approach to supporting those trying to recover from drug and alcohol use as well as reasons for the club's expansion of services to include affordable housing.

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

Is fluoridation a public health threat or panacea? A conversation with Dr. Paul Connett.

Oregon ranks 48th among states in percentage of residents with fluoridated water and Portland is the second largest metropolitan area without community fluoridated water. Public advocacy groups like Upstream Public Health argue Oregon children suffer from unacceptably high rates of dental decay and tooth loss as a result. The group met with City Commissioner Randy Leonard earlier this fall and is working with political consultant Mark Weiner on the issue.

But there are other voices who say that in the case of fluoridation, the cure is worse than the disease. Dr. Paul Connett, of the Fluoride Action Network has been a vocal opponent to the introduction of fluoride into drinking water, citing extensive research that fluoride is responsible for far more health risks - cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, and damage to developing teeth - than the questionable benefits it brings. Dr. Connett, who is Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (environmental chemistry and toxicology) at St. Lawrence University joins Jo Ann and Dave this Thursday to talk about what should and shouldn't be in our drinking water.

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Daveevery Thursdayas they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edgeby becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

Our families: A look at Oregon's LGBT communities of color

LGBT people of color in Oregon face the challenge of overcoming discrimination for their sexual identity and the color of their skin. As former state senator Avel Gordley observed about her son: "This can be a hostile walk in the Portland community just being black and male, so to be black and male and gay adds to the fear I've felt sometimes for his safety..."

Ten years and two administrations after 9/11, the U.S. government continues to use torture, targeted killings, extraordinary rendition, military commissions, political surveillance and religious discrimination as policies to keep Americans "safe." Do such policies truly make us safe - and if the price is our civil liberties than safe from what?

This week on Voices from the Edge, Jo Ann and Dave talk with National Lawyers Guild attorney Steven Goldberg, whose litigation successfully challenged the NSA warrantless surveillance program, and withBrandon Mayfield, a local Muslim attorney falsely accused and imprisoned on terrorism charges. Join us as we discuss the disturbing direction "national security" continues to take as we look at whether we can be safe AND free.

You can also join a larger discussion of this issue on Tuesday, Nov. 8th at "Civil Liberties 10 Years After 9/11: Can We Be Safe and Free," a forum sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild, ACLU of Oregon and other local civil rights organizations. The event, taking place at 7:30 pm at the Portland Building Auditorium will include in addition to Goldberg and Mayfield, Federal Public Defender Steven Wax who has represented Guantanamo detainees, Oregon ACLU's David Fidanque, and Center for Intercultural Organizing's Kayse Jama. Jo Ann will be presenting opening remarks and moderating the discussion.

Mark your calendar! If you enjoyed Jo Ann's conversation with Greg Palast last week, don't miss hearing him in person at a special KBOO fundraising event on Nov. 13at the Bagdad Theater. Greg will be launching the kick-off of the Vultures' Picnic book tour - and net proceeds from the event go to support KBOO 90.7 FM and the Portland Alliance. Tickets are on salenow!

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Daveevery Thursdayas they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edgeby becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

As a follow-up from last week's live remote broadcast from the Occupy Portland encampment, Jo Ann and Dave continue the conversation and take a look at what's currently happening in Portland and the national picture of the Occupation.

Dave and Jo Ann ask KBOO listeners: Why have been to the camp, and if not, why not?

Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years

Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right corner of the KBOO website to find out how).

Jo Ann Hardesty and Dave Mazza conduct on-the-spot interviews on Day 15 with residents at the Occupy Portland encampment. How is the occupation creating community, meeting needs, repairing our broken society? How can it challenge the power of the 1%? What's next?

Comments

I just wanted to post a link to an article about the foreclosure mills that make money off of the forsclosure mess. http://motherjones.com/politics/2010/07/david-stern-djsp-foreclosure-fannie-freddie?page=1

I did not hear an apology for you making a blatant distortion of my comment. I do not appreciate being lied about and especially by a campaign which you obviously are supporting which hypocritically poses as the moral arbitrator of the Universe regarding truth telling.

Again, let me clarify:

First off, I did not say, as was falsely stated by you and your guest, that politicians have a right to lie. I stated that everyone has a right to lie about their love life. That is a vastly different point and I bitterly resent being lied about on this.

This distortion (lie) by your guest and you is sadly emblematic of the hyperbolic nature of this entire pesudo-moralistic campaign.

I will receive your apology before I ever again associate with you or this program.

Will again and please correct your slander of me and misstatement of my comment.

First off, I did not say, as was falsely stated by JoAnn and your caller, that politicians have a right to lie. I stated that everyone has a right to lie about their love life. That is a vastly different point and I bitterly resent being lied about on this.

This distortion (lie) by your guest and JoAnn is emblematic of the hyperbolic nature of this entire pesudo-moralistic campaign.

It is a fact that Republicans involved in this are using this as an organizing tool. It is a fact that this campaign is making common-cause with anti-progressive forces.

It is this campaign that is the divisive force in our community.

This signature campaign is the darling of the right wing. This campaign is the best thing that has happened to the Multnomah Co. Republican Party since Theodore Roosevelt.

If this is about negative campaigning- WHY IS THIS SUCH A THOROUGLY NEGATIVE CAMPGAIGN. IT REDUCES POLITICAL DIALOG TO THE LEVEL OF A GRAMMER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND.

I agree, Peter. This article is germane: One outcome of Professor Gate’s arrest should be an understanding that “What lends legitimacy (to our legal system) is our belief that the police are dutiful servants of the people — not their arbitrary oppressors.”

The Declaration of Independence promptly asserts “… Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed.”

'Know Your Rights' training is imperative, as a 'check and balance' against unwarranted interference with the intent of the U.S. Constitution. An informed citizenry is a Public Good. Vigilance against abuse of power is actually a civic responsibility.

I know first-hand a tendency by Portland police to escalate situations that might be otherwise resolved. I have only an inkling of the mental pressures involved in policing, and but a dim suspicion as to the social handicaps that come with wielding weapons, spending so much time in the milieu of antisocial behavior, of having a community grant your uniformed subgroup status as The Enforcers. I would suspect such pressure, status and lethal equipment make it difficult to appreciate a role of Servant of the People.

Do you know what the common ground may be?

Law enforcement.

How can we change our dialogue so that a person of color, being thrown up against chain link fence – sometimes even without a pretext of wrongdoing – has standing when there is no probable cause that a crime is being committed?

By advocating that police actions adhere to Constitutional provisions for freedom from unwarranted search, to be secure in their possessions; would not this citizen also be involved in law enforcement?

One really ironic point I failed to make on the program is that, from the time of Chief Kroeker onward, it has likely been in the consciousness of Portland Police Bureau command that racial profiling actually inhibits criminal detection and prosecution. Simply the perception of police misconduct reduces the quality of public cooperation. One of the results of racial bias is that it is more difficult to secure leads and eventual witness testimony from a disenfranchised, victimized population of law-abiding citizens.

I suggest there will be a real reduction in crime (due to citizen cooperation) when and if policing is seen to be done lawfully. If it were a shared perception that people who oppose the immoral, unethical and illegal practice of racial profiling had merit as Constitutional law enforcers, I would think this a positive dynamic … and not just for people of color, but other negatively affected groups like the mentally ill, for whom self-advocacy is a supreme challenge.

Let us fuse training and dialogue. You mention the ‘well-trained cop.’ Perhaps ‘Know Your Rights’ training (and Oregon Action training includes de-escalation strategies) might dovetail with Portland Police Bureau training. What would be achieved if police training alerted officers that a segment of the population - fatigued by unconstitutional behavior - will be advocating for just and equitable treatment?

If that segment of the population included Police Commissioner Saltzman, Human Rights Commissioner Fritz, City Auditor Griffin-Valade and Mayor Adams, I think the Police union would find impetus to engage in negotiations for a means to weed out officers refusing to enforce the Constitution, state law, or bureau regulations.

To take up your point about police as public servants, the Auditor’s Independent Police Review Board is poised to actually adopt that frame of reference. Currently specializing in facts and figures, there is a component of their reporting primed and ready for public pressure to make this a prime frame of reference for assessing the Police Bureau’s functionality.

Perhaps better left for another blog, I just want you to know that civilian oversight of armed government activity is imperative as the nation pursues a War on Terror. If the City of Portland were to weigh in on fundamental human rights during the nation’s general expansion of police powers, it stands likely to do a Public Good that cannot now be calculated.

On this morning's (June 18) program Joann mentioned a man (I think she said "young" and "minority" )who is becomming active in environmental matters, I would like to talk with him about joining the planning and implementation of an event that is scheduled to take place on October 24th.

I am a member ot the Peace and Social Concerns Committee of the Multnomah Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quakers), and the organizer of a sub-group called "Global Coolers". We meet monthly and have taken the responsibility of informing the Meeting about global warming and involving them in efforts to lessen our individual and collective destructive impact on the planet.We have also hosted a couple of community events over the past several years.
Yesterday I learned that Bill McKibben, who is a leading activist in the environmental protection movement, is organizing a world-wide demonstration to take place on October 24: it is described on 350.org.
I want to make sure that Portland participates in this event.
I have not talked yet to other environmental activists about involvement (there may already be plans afoot) but I will do so in the next couple of days. In any case I will welcome all participants in the planning and execution of the event. My telephone number is 503-292-1817.
Thank you for your attention.
Peace, Jim

I was disturbed to hear this morning information that leads me to think I did not check out the ballot measures carefully enough. As an intelligent conservative, I find it both important and difficult to listen to KBOO and other left-of-center sources regularly, and the comments this morning made it clear that I should invest more energy into that effort.

On the other hand, I was a bit amused (and relieved of my nascent guilt) when I heard you adamantly insist that Measure 53 passed by a 76-24 margin because a day-old paper said so. It is possible that the Oregonian was that far off the mark - if so, I would assume that it was an early edition which showed very preliminary results. I went to three sources this morning of which two gave vote tallies. KATU.com indicates that as of 8am today the vote on 53 was YES 475,838 and NO 473,912 which is a margin of less than 2000 votes out of nearly 1 million. Rounded to the nearest percent, the vote is 50-50. KOIN.com had very similar (probably identical) numbers.

So I figure that if you let your personal opinions cloud such simple and easily ascertained facts, if you are so closed-minded that you will not double-check this when it is disputed, I need not concern myself with your judgment on the more complex issue of Measure 53 itself.